Rapid progress at the Dwyrain Corwen East Station

There was a momentous occasion for the Llangollen Railway on Friday, 8th August 2014, with the arrival of a gauging train at the site of the Corwen temporary station. A test train of three diesel railcars ventured west of Carrog to check out the clearances at structures along the two and a half mile railway extension.

The train was driven by the chairman of Llangollen Railway Trust, Elizabeth Harland, who took the opportunity to congratulate the volunteer members of the extension project team on the completion of the track laying exercise.

Commenting on the successful test run along the extension, Elizabeth Harland said, “I was delighted to drive the gauging train down the line and to see what had been achieved by our volunteers.”

The running of the gauging train was possible thanks to all the work undertaken to have the new track ballasted and then packed and aligned with the aid of a hired-in tamper machine.

In addition, work by contractors, Grosvenor Scaffolding of Bagillt, has seen the erection of the 100 metre long temporary platform which will provide the passenger facility at the Dwyrain Corwen East station. Fitting out of the platform has now commenced.

The completion of all infrastructure works will allow for the track extension to be inspected with a view to being declared fit for the operation of passenger trains.

Looking towards completion of the project

However, before trains can run into the station at Dwyrain Corwen East, a further stage of construction requires the erection of a 38 metre long ramp off the platform end to connect with a footpath coming up from ground level. This is a complex task designed to meet modern standards which will allow for disability access on an appropriately graded structure.

George Jones, for Llangollen Railway Trust said, “The completion of tasks is rapidly coming to a conclusion and, when all arrangements come together and the work has passed an inspection, we will then be able to announce a date for the opening of train services to Corwen. This will be the completion of a 40 year old dream.”